One of Hong Kong’s most influential pro-democracy figures Jimmy Lai, is taking the stand in a national security trial that may see him sentenced to life imprisonment this Wednesday.
Lai who is 76-year-old and founder of the now-defunct Hong Kong tabloid Apple Daily is accused of colluding with foreign forces by using his media platform to oppose the government.
This is his first time testifying in court, even though he has undergone multiple trials since 2020.
His hearing comes one day after the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy campaigners in the city’s largest trial under the controversial national security law.